Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida people, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A beautiful marine mammal bone pendant charm in the form of a crouching bear with a human figure along the spine and suspension hole just behind the bear's head. The carving is stylized in the characteristic Pacific Coast Tribal totemic form and inlaid with nacre shell panels to highlight the eyes of both bear and human and lower limb. Shamans wore protective pendants or charms such as this piece that were imbued with the power from sacred animals and the animal carrying a human figure symbolized guidance through supernatural realms. The charms were part of healing practices to hold and protect the ill person's soul while the shaman preformed healing rituals and sometimes worn by other tribe members for protection. Size: 2.45" L x 1.3" W (6.2 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection

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#171009

Natural bone pitting to verso, obverse is excellent, minor chip to nacre shell inlays, otherwise intact and choice. Some darker patina in recessed areas.